The 9th International Automotive Engineering Conference (IAEC), which brings together local and international experts annually, was held this year. Hosted by Bilişim Vadisi, the two-day conference focused on the theme “Mobility and Beyond.”

Organized by the Uludağ Automotive Industry Exporters' Association (OİB), Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD), Automotive Technology Platform (OTEP), and the Association of Automotive Parts & Components Manufacturers (TAYSAD), in collaboration with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International), the event brought together distinguished experts from Turkey and abroad.

IAEC 2024 commenced with an opening speech by Conference Chair Prof. Dr. Aytül Erçil. Highlighting the extraordinary transformation of the automotive sector in recent years, Prof. Erçil stated, "Once defined by internal combustion engines and mechanical designs, automotive engineering now stands at the forefront of technological innovation, sustainability, and digital integration. Today, we are at a historic juncture where cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and alternative fuel vehicles are revolutionizing how we design and manufacture cars."

The conference continued with a keynote address by François Roudier, Secretary General of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), who shared insights and forecasts about the industry. The morning sessions concluded with a panel titled “Smart Mobility,” moderated by Esma Dilek, Deputy General Manager of Communications at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and President of ITS Turkey. Panelists included Erhan Köseoğlu (Growth and Smart Mobility Director, Ford Otosan), François E. Guichard (UNECE Autonomous and Connected Vehicles Task Force Secretary), Aziz Bülent Öncel (Traffic Safety Department Head, General Directorate of Highways), and Çağrı Yüzbaşıoğlu (Co-Founder and CEO, ISSD).

The afternoon began with an inspiring session titled “Talent That Inspires” by Zülal Tannur, Founder and CEO of From Your Eyes. This was followed by the second panel of the day, moderated by Halil Aksu, Co-Founder and CEO of Digitopia. Panelists Samet Kütük (Board Member, Autoware Foundation) and Atalay Taşkoparan (CPO and Co-Founder, ADASTEC) discussed advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Driving.

The second day of IAEC 2024 began with a keynote address by Dr. Angelika Berger-Sodian, International E-Mobility Business Developer, on “The Impact of China’s Mobility Revolution.” The first panel of the day, moderated by Prof. Dr. Alper Sarıoğlan from Istanbul Technical University’s Department of Chemical Engineering, revolved around “Alternative Fuels.” Speakers included Martin Wieser (Internal Combustion Engine Manager, AVL List GmbH), Selman Tosunoğlu (Founder and CEO, Ampherr AG), and Erdem Met (Director of Commercial Vehicles System Engineering and Platforms, Otokar).

The final session focused on “Digital Transformation in Production,” moderated by Prof. Dr. Mustafa İlhan Gökler, Chair of the OTEP Digital Transformation Working Group. Panelists included Mehmet Kürümlüoğlu (Head of Advanced Systems Engineering Research Department, Fraunhofer), Engin Aktaş (Leader of Planning, Supply, Production, and Logistics Systems, Ford Otosan), and Murat Ateş (Digital Transformation Director, Maxion Wheels).
The conference concluded with a keynote titled “How Startups Drive Transformation,” delivered by Ahu Serter, Founder and Chairperson of Fark Holding.